Here's how I see the AFC South stacking up:
1. Tennessee Titans
Having won 11 of its last 12 games in 2002 to get to the AFC title game, a healthier Titans team looks to be a serious Super Bowl contender once again. The core of the team remains intact, but there doesn’t seem to be as much depth as in recent years. Quarterback Steve McNair, running back Eddie George, and the offensive line must remain healthy, and George needs to increase his yards per carry to make this offense more effective.
Defensively, they need Javon Kearse to put the foot surgeries behind him and play like the player he was in his rookie season. Again… depth is a problem, especially at defensive tackle and in the secondary.
Bottom Line: The Titans are still the nastiest team in the division, but the Colts should give them a good run for the division title this year.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts made a nice improvement on defense last year, and they need to build on that success in 2003. Depth at linebacker is a concern with the loss of Mike Peterson to free agency, and there seems to be a lack of playmakers in the secondary, but I’d be surprised if this group does not continue to improve as they become more familiar with Tony Dungy’s cover-2 system. The addition of rookie strong safety Mike Doss, who Dungy believes could be that playmaker this season, gives the Colts a hard hitter with a nose for the ball.
Of course, a completely healthy Edgerrin James would only help the defense by keeping them off the field, but he needs to get back to near his 2000 form so the Colts have the ability to control the ball a little better. The play of a couple rookies could mean as much to this offense as James’ return. Guard Steve Sciullo could be a big key to the success of the offensive line, and first-round pick Dallas Clark gives quarterback Peyton Manning another solid receiving option out of two tight end sets.
Bottom Line: The Colts have a pretty favorable schedule and I expect them to get out to a good start, but I’m not sure they’ll have enough at the end of the season when division rival Tennessee always seems to be at their best.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
With a new head coach and uncertainty at quarterback, the Jaguars appear to be a team in transition, but they are not without talent. Somehow, some way, the Jaguars need to keep running back Fred Taylor on the football field. Quarterback Mark Brunell’s future with the Jaguars is unclear at this time, but unless he is traded, he should be the starter. If he is moved, David Garrard is a capable replacement until first-round draft pick Byron Leftwich is ready to go. Of course, Leftwich’s development has been hampered by a lengthy holdout, so it’s not clear if/when he’ll be ready to play this season.
